September 22, 2026, 3:45 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Anyone looking to benefit from the best deals at Lidl can’t avoid the app discounts. This could now become a problem for the discount retailer: On September 29, 2026, a court will decide on the discrimination allegations made by consumer advocates.
Saving via Smartphone
App-based discounts have become a part of everyday life for many supermarket customers. Lidl also relies on digital offers in its bonus program, “Lidl Plus,” regularly enticing users with exclusive price reductions. Those who use the app can often save significantly on their purchases and receive additional benefits.
This approach, however, has drawn criticism because not all customers can equally access the digital offers. Those without a smartphone or who cannot operate the app miss out on many discounts. This raises the question of whether digital discount programs are truly accessible to all consumers.
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Consumer Advocates Criticize Disadvantage
The Federation of German Consumer Organizations vzbv accuses Lidl of effectively excluding certain population groups from discount promotions. This includes older people, individuals with disabilities, and minors, who often do not own a smartphone or cannot easily use digital offers.
The plaintiffs are therefore demanding alternatives to the app. Customer cards or traditional paper coupons could be a way to make discounts accessible without a smartphone. The goal: Anyone shopping at Lidl should be able to receive discounts without digital aids.
Also of interest: Lidl Plus is being revamped: Customers now collect points permanently
Lidl Points to Voluntariness
Lidl rejects the allegations and emphasizes that the app is merely an additional offer. According to the company, the digital app discounts are voluntary extras that go beyond the regular offers. However, the discount retailer is not currently commenting on the details of the ongoing proceedings.
For consumer advocates, this is not the first attempt to challenge exclusive app benefits. Lawsuits against Netto and Penny have already been dismissed by the relevant higher regional courts. However, the debate is not over, as an appeal has been allowed in the Penny case. The verdict in the case against Lidl is therefore eagerly anticipated. The decision could extend far beyond the discount retailer and influence the discount strategies of many retail companies in Germany.